5(c) Anthropological understanding of communalism.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.3 Contributions of anthropology to the understanding of regionalism, communalism and ethnic and political movements
Distribution of Neolithic Sites in India — 2019 Paper II
Question · 2019 · Paper II · 10 Marks
Distribution of Neolithic sites in India.
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Describe the major regional concentrations of Neolithic sites in India with representative archaeological examples.
- Structuring the Response: Organize the answer region-wise—northwestern, Kashmir, Ganga-Vindhyan, eastern, northeastern and southern India.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: Burzahom, Gufkral, Koldihwa, Mahagara, Chirand, Daojali Hading, Hallur, Utnur, Piklihal and regional diversity.
Model Answer
Introduction: The Indian Neolithic was regionally diverse rather than a single uniform cultural phase. Neolithic communities emerged in different ecological zones with varying combinations of agriculture, pastoralism, polished stone tools and pottery.
Major regional distributions:
- Kashmir Valley:
- Burzahom
- Gufkral
Known for pit dwellings, bone tools and later agriculture-pastoralism.
- Ganga–Vindhyan region:
- Koldihwa
- Mahagara
- Chopani Mando
These sites provide important evidence for early food-producing communities.
- Middle Ganga Valley and Bihar:
- Chirand
- Senuwar
Associated with agriculture, domesticated animals and polished stone tools.
- Northeast India:
- Daojali Hading, Assam
Characterized by shouldered celts and links with wider Southeast/East Asian technological traditions.
- South India:
- Piklihal
- Utnur
- Hallur
- Tekkalakota
- Sanganakallu
Pastoralism, cattle keeping and distinctive ash-mound traditions are important features.
Thus:
Different ecological zones → Different Neolithic adaptations
Conclusion: Indian Neolithic sites occur from Kashmir and the Ganga plains to Northeast and peninsular India, demonstrating multiple regional pathways toward food production rather than a single centre of Neolithic development.
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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2019 — Paper II
28 questions7(b) Write about the role of colonial administration in the development of Anthropology in India.
15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper II > 4. Emergence, growth and development of anthropology in India > Scholar-administrators
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.1 Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.3 Developmental projects and their impact on tribal displacement
5(e) Distribution of Neolithic sites in India.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Neolithic
1(c) Distribution of Tibeto-Burman group of languages in India.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 2. Demographic profile of India > Linguistic elements > Tibeto-Burman family
5(a) Ethnicity and regionalism.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 The concept of ethnicity > Regionalism and demand for autonomy
1(b) Ethno-archaeological analysis of hunting activities of contemporary tribal communities.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.3 Ethno-archaeology in India > Survivals among hunting and foraging communities
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.1 Tribal policies, plans and programmes of tribal development
Syllabus: Paper II > 8.1 Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies > Buddhism
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Media and social change
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.1 Indian Village > Impact of industrialization and globalization
Syllabus: Paper II > 4. Emergence, growth and development of anthropology in India > Contributions of Indian anthropologists
5(d) Issues relating to tribal education.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.2 Problems of the tribal communities > Low literacy and poor educational facilities
1(e) The Jajmani system and contemporary market economy.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.2 Caste system in India > Jajmani system
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.1 Structure and nature of traditional Indian social system > Karma, Rina and Rebirth
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Interplay of little and great traditions
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.1 Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Palaeolithic > Soanian
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Panchayati Raj and social change
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.2 Palaeo-anthropological evidences from India > Siwaliks > Ramapithecus
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Indus (Harappan) Civilization
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.1 Role of N.G.O.s in tribal development
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.1 Tribal situation in India > Socio-economic characteristics > Pastoral communities
4(c) Identify some special programmes for particularly vulnerable Tribal Groups (erstwhile PTGs).
15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.1 The concept of PTGs / PVTGs > Special programmes for their development
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.1 Indian Village > Significance of village study in India
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 Social change among the tribes during colonial and post-Independent India
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 Unrest among tribal communities > Tribe and nation state